University students hoping to secure construction jobs after graduating have embarked on a week-long work placement at Olympic Park in east London.

As well as working on some of the 2012 event's key structures, the 80 students, all of whom attend universities in the capital, built scaled-down models of some of the world's most interesting buildings.

Working alongside professionals, the budding engineers made models of the Barcelona Tower, Durham's Kingsgate Bridge, Leeds' Brewery Wharf footbridge and the Millennium Gallery in Sheffield.

Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) director of construction Howard Shiplee said he wanted the Constructionarium event to "inspire the builders and engineers of the future".

"We are committed to leaving a lasting employment and skills legacy for London and the construction and engineering industry," he commented.

Mr Shiplee added that it would be a "great achievement" for the UK once the Olympics get underway.

The ODA confirmed today (July 1st) that it has agreed that Triathlon Homes can purchase 1,379 affordable homes at the Athletes' Village development.